How Big Should My Kitchen Countertops Be?

If you ask me, the kitchen is the heart of the home. It’s also the place where small changes have the biggest impact on useability and enjoyment.

Whether you’re renovating or building a kitchen from scratch, an important question to ask is: how big should my kitchen countertops be?

Today, we'll be exploring standard countertop dimensions, why they're in place, and if you should stick to the norm or forge your own custom path. 

Standard Countertop Dimensions

Not all kitchen countertop dimensions are exactly the same. But, in most cases, you’ll find countertops are around 36-inches high and about  25-inches wide, measured from the wall to the edge of the counter.

Standard countertop dimensions were established a long time ago. And as a result, base cabinets are now manufactured in a standard size as well; 34.5-inches high and 24-inches deep. So once you add a countertop with an overhang that's an inch or two thick, you end up with your standard measurements of 36-inches high and 25-inches wide. 

You'll find those common measurement standards in most homes, but it's not the only option. For example, if you're renovating or building a new kitchen, you can choose almost any dimensions you'd like. Just know that the customization can be pricey and may even affect the ease of renting or selling your home.

Why Countertop Height Is So Important

Kitchen countertops should be easy to use and work on. That means a height you can comfortably stand up straight in front of while preparing food. 

A counter that is too short will lead to you hunching over and causing back pain. A countertop that is too tall will force you to hold your arms up unnaturally high. And that will cause fatigue and can be especially uncomfortable while doing knife work.

While your height plays a role in choosing the ideal countertop height, your elbow is a more important place to look. For the best ergonomics, your counter should fall between 3 and 6-inches below your elbow.

When performing most kitchen tasks, your elbows act as hinges while your hands do specific tasks several inches below. The easiest way to see this in action is to grab your kitchen knives and do some slicing and dicing.

You should be able to comfortably raise and lower your knife in a cutting motion without your hands rising above the level of your elbow. This ensures good posture and will allow you to cook to your heart's content without feeling any pain in your back, shoulders, or arms.

What About Kitchen Islands?

The same considerations should be taken if you add or update a kitchen island. Again, ergonomics and comfort are key, and in most cases, the height of your island countertop will be the same as the rest of the surfaces in your kitchen.

When it comes to width, you have a bit more freedom here. You’re really only constrained by the size of the room. And a huge kitchen island can be great if you do a lot of baking and entertaining. Just be sure you can reach the center without climbing on top.

Countertop Material Thickness

What your countertop is made of can also have an impact on height. The average countertop is about 1.5-inches thick. However, materials like marble and granite may be thinner, while a hefty butcher block counter may be a bit thicker. 

The cutting board you use on top of your countertop will also impact the working height of your counter. For instance, a thick wooden board can make your counter 2 or more inches higher, while a thin plastic one will be closer to its actual height.

To Stick To The Standard Or Not

Kitchen countertop standards were established a long time ago. And they were developed for people with an average height of around 5-foot 3-inches tall. And while the standard could probably use an overhaul, a 36-inch high countertop is still what many expect to find in a home.

So, if you’re planning on living in your house for years, countertops tailored to you will be more comfortable and more enjoyable to use daily. On the other hand, if you’re looking to sell the house in the near future, sticking to the standard dimensions is likely to be more appealing to more people.

Guest Contributor: William Mack - https://kitchenambition.com/author/william-mack/